Celebrating the Life and Lasting Legacy of Julian Bond: 1940-2015Julian Bond—a former Council for a Livable World Advisory Board Member, an important leader of the 1960s civil rights movement, a lifelong champion of equal rights and a fighter for a progressive national security policy—died on August 15, 2015. His work as chairman of the NAACP is well known; less known is his vigorous opposition to the Vietnam War at a time when it was controversial to mix civil rights and anti-war work.

Notably, just before he passed, he gave this ringing endorsement of the Iran nuclear deal:

“I have been involved in the struggle for justice and peace for more than a half century. In that time, I have seen issues which divided the nation along deep unbridgeable chasms and others that brought us together in the common pursuit of a shared vision for a better tomorrow. Today we have before us an issue that should unite all Americans, supporting the nuclear agreement with Iran. This historic diplomatic accord will not only help prevent the proliferation of mankind’s most heinous weapon, it will help avoid yet another disastrous war in the Middle East.”

Take Action:

A Letter of Your OwnCalls and emails to Congress are important ways to make your voice heard, but while your member of Congress is back in your district or state for the August recess, they may be checking the local newspaper to gauge public support for the Iran agreement. Take 5 minutes now to write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. We even provide talking points to help you begin your draft! Enter your zip code to start, and get writing.

27 Days to Stop a WarThe Iran deal opposition may have deep pockets, but we have deep grassroots support for a diplomatic solution to Iran’s nuclear program. All across the country, members of Congress are hosting town hall events, where they want to hear from their constituents on this agreement before making their final decision. Council for a Livable World has teamed up with MoveOn and other partner organizations to co-sponsor “60 Days to Stop a War,” a one-stop shop where you can locate and even add your own town hall events taking place in your district or state. Get started by clicking here.

Election Center:

Politics for a Livable WorldWith Presidential candidates dominating the headlines these days, the 2016 election is slowly creeping to the forefront. That’s why Senior Fellow John Isaacs has wasted no time in churning out useful analysis for Politics for a Livable World, our new hub for all things elections. This week, be sure to check out thelatest political tip sheet covering new and hot races, as well as a 2016 Senate races roundup.

Competitive Senate Races ChartIn one easy chart, you can learn all you need to know about the 2016 Senate races in any given state, including factors like important endorsers (including CLW!), date of the state’s primary election, early outcome predictions, and fundraising totals. Many thanks to longtime friends of the Council Riley and Rebecca Newman for producing and updating this valuable resource. View it on our website.

Read:

A Vote of ConscienceAs members of Congress contemplate perhaps the most important foreign policy decision of their career, they must consider: How exactly will this agreement stop Iran from a bomb? What are the alternatives? What’s at stake? And most importantly, how will my vote impact U.S. and world security? Executive Director Angela Canterbury addresses all of these and more in her latest piece for CQ Roll Call.Read it here.

Over 70 Experts Endorse the DealIn a new letter backing the Iran nuclear agreement, over 70 nuclear non-proliferation experts give their reasons as to why this deal is a “net plus” for preventing the spread of nuclear weapons worldwide. Among the experts are Council Board Member Dr. Jim Walsh, as well as Center Board Members Ed Levine, Sharon Squassoni, and Center Advisory Board Member Frank Von Hippel. Read the letter on our website.